RFID tag that provides a flat print area and a pinch roller that enables the same

Abstract

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a face stock and an RFID device. The face stock has a printable side and an inlay side, with the RFID device mounted to the inlay side. A layer of adhesive is coated on the inlay side of the face stock. A liner is releasably adhered to the layer of adhesive and includes a relief area that accommodates for defection of the RFID device. The accommodation of the thickness of the RFID device results in a tag that has a substantially uniform printable surface. Accordingly, when passing through a printer, the printable surface is maintained substantially flat or linear at the print head of the printer, thereby minimizing jamming and enhancing printability. A pinch roller for a printer also accommodates for deflection of the RFID tag by providing a deformable section along a length thereof the body that has a greater resiliency than the rest of the body. At the location of the RFID device, the layer of adhesive may also include a blank that is substantially free of adhesive for accommodating the RFID device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. The invention also relates to RFID tags with enhanced printing capabilities. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional RFID tags have a substrate or face stock on one side of which an RFID device, chip, or strap is mounted. An adhesive layer is coated over the RFID device, and a release liner is applied to the adhesive layer. Accordingly, there is an uneven thickness in the RFID tag at the location of the RFID device, chip, or strap, such that the RFID tag bulges at this location. [0003] It is common to print information on the RFID tag after the tag has been manufactured, either by the manufacturer or by the end user. However, because of the uneven thickness, when passing through a printer during a printing process, the RFID tag has a tendency to jam in the printer or to otherwise present an undesirable printing surface for the print head of the printer, thereby resultin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a method of printing RFID tags using a printer that includes a layer of adhesive and a liner with a relief area that allows the tag to flex or separate when compressed. The adhesive layer has a blank that provides a recess to accommodate the thickness of the RFID device, resulting in a tag with a uniform thickness. A pinch roller is also included to accommodate unevenness in the print surface of the RFID tag. The technical effects of this invention include efficient and reliable printing of RFID tags, with a flat printable surface that minimizes jamming and enhances printability.

Problems solved by technology

However, because of the uneven thickness, when passing through a printer during a printing process, the RFID tag has a tendency to jam in the printer or to otherwise present an undesirable printing surface for the print head of the printer, thereby resulting in print distortion and less than optimal printing.

In addition, compressing the RFID tag between the pinch roller and the print head may damage the RFID device and associated inlayed structure or may damage the print head itself, thereby decreasing the life of the print head.

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